Method and apparatus to execute bets

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are provided to execute bets in an agile manner. The method and apparatus of the present invention, incorporate new functions that make easier for the bettor to enter and register wagers. Such functions are, among others:  
     1. Same +/− 
     2. Delete Competitor  
     3. All—(All except (n competitors))  
     4. Trifecta to Superfecta and vice versa (TriνSup)  
     5. First place, with the respective places to move 1, 2 or 3 positions (according to the type of bet, exacta, trifecta or superfecta)  
     6. Third or Fourth place, with the respective places to move 1, 2 or 3 positions (according to the type of bet)  
     7. Original bet  
     8. Combine with first place (Mix  1 )  
     9. Combine with second place (Mix  2 )  
     10. Combine with third place (Mix  3 )  
     11. Combine with fourth place (exclusively superfecta) (Mix  4 )  
     12. Combine all groups (Mix All)  
     The entering and registration of pari-mutuel wagers is made easier by means of the apparatus and method of the present invention.

This application claims priority to Mexican patent applicationMX-PA/a/2001/009037, having a priority date of Sept. 7, 2001. REFERENCETO APPENDIX

[0001] This application includes a computer program listing appendix,submitted on compact disc (CD). The content of the CD is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety and accordingly forms a partof this specification. The CD contains the following files: File nameFile size Creation date for CD NORMAL.txt 53 kb Nov. 5, 2002 SHAFFLE.txt58 kb Nov. 5, 2002 TRISUP.txt 55 kb Nov. 5, 2002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The horse race industry is not only formed by the race tracks;behind it there is a lot of human material among which the following canbe highlighted: associations of horse owners, associations of trainers,associations of breeders, associations of jockeys, gallopers, stablemen,horseshoers, vet doctors, food and medicine suppliers, equinetransporters, administrators, tellers, waiters, cleaning and generalmaintenance personnel but, above all, the essence that supports theindustry, the bettors. In view of the above, this industry is animportant source of employment and income.

[0003] As it is known, wagers are the main source of funds to furnishthe industry. Presently, thanks to communications via satellite, it ispossible to place bets in different horse race tracks with simultaneousraces, even when the race tracks are distant from one another, withoutbeing important the bettor's location.

[0004] The wager in the horse races is called pari-mutuel bet, whichmeans, “to bet among us”. The bettors that wager in a pari-mutuel systemare not betting against the racetrack but against the rest of thebettors; this means that the money of the losers bettors is distributedamong the winners bettors.

[0005] When a wager is placed in the racetrack, that money goes to a“Pool” or betting fund; every type of wager has its own betting fund.The racetrack receives an amount of money as “takeout” or retention forhandling the bets, which is assigned for the payment of prizes to thehorsemen and breeders and for the expenses of the racetrack. The rest ofthe money of every type of bet is returned to the bettors in form ofpayoffs to the winners.

[0006] There are two main types of bets:

[0007] 1. Straight Bets are those involving one competitor (horse,greyhound, car, etc.)

[0008] WIN: The bettor wins if the selected competitor finishes in thefirst position.

[0009] PLACE: The bettor wins if the selected competitor finishes infirst or second position. However, even when the competitor wins, thebettor cashes the payment of Second position.

[0010] SHOW: The bettor wins if the selected competitor finishes infirst, second or third position, but cashes payment of Third.

[0011] 2. Exotic Wagers are those involving two or more competitor inone or more races.

[0012] Exact: The bettor wins if he/she selects the competitor thatfinish in first and second place, in exact order. For example:

[0013] Exact 3-5

[0014] Competitor number 3 must win and competitor number 5 must finishsecond.

[0015] Quinella: To win, the bettor must select the competitors thatfinish in first and second places but, unlike in the Exact wager, theorder in which they finish is not important.

[0016] Trifecta: The bettor must select the three first places in theofficial order of finish.

[0017] Superfecta: The bettor must select the first four places in theofficial order of finish.

[0018] Triple: The bettor must predict the winners of three consecutiveraces; he/she must place his/her bet before the first of the three racesbegins.

[0019] Pick Six: The bettor must predict the winners of six consecutiveraces marked for this wager. If there are no winners in this bet, partof the pool will be accumulated on the next day of races, making itpossible for huge jackpots to build.

[0020] Additionally, there are combinations of multiple wagers, asfollows:

[0021] Box: It allows the bettor to select all possible combinationswith the competitors picked for a bet. Every combination costs as onebet. For example:

[0022] Trifecta Box 1, 3, 5

[0023] The bettor will win if competitors numbers 1, 3 and 5 finishwithin the first three positions, in any order.

[0024] A Trifecta box bet is equivalent to the following (1×2×3=6) 6bets

[0025] 1. 1,3,5

[0026] 2. 1,5,3

[0027] 3. 3,1,5

[0028] 4. 3,5,1

[0029] 5. 5,1,3

[0030] 6. 5 3,1

[0031] Key: It allows selecting a competitor to win with the otherpossible combinations.

[0032] Example:

[0033] Key 1 with 3,5

[0034] This means a bet to first on competitor number 1, and competitors3 or 5 will finish in the second or third positions.

[0035] Such wager is equivalent to the following two bets.

[0036] 1. 1,3,5

[0037] 2. 1,5,3

[0038] A Key bet means a lower number of simple bets than a Box bet.Therefore, the cost of the Key bet is lower than the Box bet.

[0039] According to the current method of wagering, the bettor mustperform the following steps for register a bet:

[0040] a) Go to a ticket window and give the mutuel clerk the followinginformation:

[0041] 1. The name of the race tract;

[0042] 2. The race number to make a bet on;

[0043] 3. The amount of the wager;

[0044] 4. The type of bet to make

[0045] 5. Give the number(s) of the competitor(s) shown in the program.

[0046] For example: “Santa Anita, Fifth race, $20 Dollars to win onnumber 6”

[0047] The prior at acknowledges basically four forms for registeringbets:

[0048] 1. By means of machines operated by mutuel clerks

[0049] 2. By means of machines operated by the bettors themselves

[0050] 3. Through cards, and

[0051] 4. Recently, through the internet

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0052] During the last years, the industry has made many attempts toincrease the amount of the wagers through different forms and ideas,without positive results so far. Along the last 12 years, the inventorhas been analyzing the different betting systems based in the differentformats used in the racetracks in Mexico and in the United States.

[0053] Some attempts have been made to increase the amount of the bets.The U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,950 issued to Champion, describes a ticket whichincludes a random bet. With such ticket it is meant to show people goingto the racetracks to have a better knowledge of the wagers. The problem,however, has not yet been resolved favorably.

[0054] Among the main problems, the following can be highlighted:

[0055] It has been noted that 60% of the bets are placed between two andthree minutes before the race begins. This means obviously that the timerequired for the bettor to register his/her wager is essential.

[0056] The current registration of bets works with systems based ondigital screens (touch screen) or optical scanners for cards, bothoperated by the bettors themselves and by machines operated by tellers.The systems used for the collection of wagers present serious problemsof logical operation. Due to this fact, the time for the collection ofwagers is excessive.

[0057] In the case of machines operated by the same bettor, in thecurrent system, the registration of a wager “without making mistakes”can be done in around 20 seconds. However, a mistake in the data enteredmeans having to go back and enter again data which had already beenpreviously registered. This causes a loss of time (around 20 or 30seconds more), to lose the sequence of the initial bet and,consequently, the bettor's mood is affected, which results into alowering the amount of the wager he/she originally wishes to place, aswell as into affecting the time of other people standing in the line forregistering their wager.

[0058] For machines operated by mutual clerks, the situation becomeseven more complicated, due to external issues to the bettor, such as themood of the mutual clerk, who is not exempt of mishearing, or becausethe same bettor gives the teller mistaken information. Also failures dueto mishearing means a consumption of time for registering a wager whichresults in reduction in the wager amount.

[0059] It also happens that when the bettor is registering his/herwagers, he/she becomes aware that his/her financial estimation was wrongand, therefore, he/she has insufficient money, reason why he/she has tomodify his/her wager. That means a consumption of valuable time andresults in a reduction in the wager amount. Mistakes due to Tellers,also results in consumption of registration time and reduction in thewager amount.

[0060] It is also common that when the bettor is registering its wager,the mutual clerk informs him/her that has been recently informed that aparticular competitor has been withdrawn. The bettor has to makeimportant changes in its wager. As indicated below, the wagerregistration is performed within the three of four minutes prior to therace, then the bettor can not have time enough to make new wager.Therefore, the bettor prefer to quickly enter a bet which is not thepreferred bet. As result, the wager is decreased or can be canceled.

[0061] Summarizing, the wagers registration system according to theprior art allows to place bets in an easy way only when the combinationsthat make up the bet are simple. On the contrary, if the wager presentsa certain degree of sophistication, the system itself makes itcomplicated to register the bet, causing uncertainty and fear to thebettor, which is reflected directly in the amount of wager moneyentering the racetracks or different betting centers. This means,uncertainty affects the mood of the bettor; the bettor prefers todecrease his/her wager in such a the manner which results easier toregister. This is one of the causes by which it is not possible toincrease the wagers.

[0062] The delays provoked by the tellers and bettors are due to thelack of a betting registration system which allows the reduction ofwager registration times and, consequently, to increase the income in away that will benefit the whole bets industry, in particular, the horserace industry.

[0063] It is therefore a first objective of the present invention toovercome the problems of the prior art and to increase the amount of thewagers in the horse and greyhound races or in any other event where itcan be applied, for example, in car races.

[0064] A second objective is to provide a method and apparatus to reducethe time required to place a bet. The possibility of placing the bet ina brief period of time gives the bettor the certainty that the wagerhe/she wants is the one to be registered. Such certainty will lead thebettor to decide the amount of the wager that he/she considers moreappropriate. It means that the bettor will increase or lower the amountof his/her wagers in the most appropriate manner.

[0065] Said certainty lead to the bettor not to decrease the amount ofthe wager due to inconveniences, moreover, said certainty will lead tothe bettor to increase their wagers.

[0066] An additional objective is to provide a portable apparatus whichwill make it easier for the bettor to perform and place a wager.

[0067] Another objective is to provide a system which will facilitatethe placement of wagers in a racetrack or in a betting center.

[0068] Another objective consists in making bettors familiar with themethods to place a wager.

[0069] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a methodto perform and place bets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] The task of the method and apparatus of the present invention isto solve each and everyone of the problems that the horse race industryand/or similar regarding the collection in the registration of bets.

[0071] Even though the invention is mainly referred to horse races, itshall be understood that it also is applicable for greyhound races and,in general, for any type of pari-mutuel bet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0072] In FIG. 1 it is shown the group of betting keys of theinvention's portable apparatus.

[0073] In FIG. 2 it is shown the group of competitors keys of theinvention's portable apparatus.

[0074] In FIG. 3 it is shown the group of manipulation keys of theinvention's portable apparatus.

[0075] In FIG. 4 it is shown the group of movement keys of theinvention's portable apparatus.

[0076] In FIG. 5 it is shown the group of memory keys of the invention'sportable apparatus.

[0077] In FIG. 6 the secondary functions group of keys of theinvention's portable apparatus are shown.

[0078] In FIG. 7 the peripherals are shown.

[0079] In FIG. 8 it is shown the electronic diagram of the invention'sportable apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] A electronic apparatus is described, portable preferably, bymeans of which it is possible to obtain the calculation of the differentoperations directly related to the horse and greyhound races in theirvarious betting types or forms. The object of such apparatus is to helpobtain the quantitative of the betting group or groups through theinclusion or deletion of competitors.

[0081] With the use of the portable electronic apparatus according tothe present invention, a bettor can try the different possibilitiesbefore obtaining the best suitable wager for him/her, with the resultobtained (selected bet) the bettor will go to the mutual clerk or to anymeans to enter his/her bet, with the certainty that the bet he/she wantsto place is the convenient bet. Once the bettor has the full certaintyabout the wager he/she wants to place, his/her investment in the wagerwill be the highest. Upon placing his/her maximum wager, the amount ofthe bets will be consequently increased.

[0082] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the portableelectronic apparatus comprise means for the interaction with themachines to register bets located in the racetracks and multipleestablishments who provide such service, in order to allow the bettor toofficially register its wager from its portable apparatus. Therefore,the need to use mutual clerks will be diminished.

[0083] The bets in their context will be structured in the followingmanner; this is, they will be shown in the screen in this manner: 1^(st)Group/ 2^(nd) Group/ 3^(rd) Group/ 4^(th) Group/ (Competitors to(Competitors to (Competitors to (Competitors to first place) secondplace) third place) fourth place)

[0084] The apparatus according to the present invention comprises fourfundamental parts, which are:

[0085] 1.—The keyboard: it has a matrix shape, since it eases thecodification of lines and columns, allowing up to 55 keys which can beincreased if the number of competitors is increased. This capacitypermits to have keys to select each competitor from 1 to 30 or moreparticipants, including the keys of the several extra functions.

[0086] 2.—Electronic circuit (processor). It is in charge of performingthe mathematical operations using the data entered, to show later theresults in the third element.

[0087] The program that performs the functions mentioned above is loadedin the processor; any type of processor can be used since the operationsare very simple. However, the complexity lies in the different optionsof the keyboard, contemplated in the program.

[0088] 3.—Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): This screen serves as outputperipheral. Here are shown the data entered, as well as the results.Such display will be preferably of graphic type, since it makes easierthe representation of different sizes of fonts and images, which willallow the presentation of all the necessary information. If the screenhas pre-defined characters, it would only need to comply with therequisites to show the necessary information. It is considered that thecrystal liquid display is the best option for the apparatus because ithandles binary information and it is easily connected to the processor.

[0089] 4.—Communication Peripheral (port): By communication peripheralwe refer to the system with which it can be established thecommunication between the apparatus object of the present invention andthe machines to register wagers.

[0090] This element is very diverse, since it will depend of thetechnology present at each moment; just as a mention, some types ofelements can be:

[0091] Infrared rays signal

[0092] Tickets printer, with bar codes that can be read by the registers

[0093] Serial port, parallel, usb, or any type of port currently knownin the computer media or to be developed in the future.

[0094] The keyboard's object is to allow the bettor to enter each andevery data required to make the calculation of the wager.

[0095] The knowledge of the variables involved in a bet will help thebettor to develop his/her personal method of understanding a race, whichresults in a handicap or advantage of the bettor to place wagers. Thishandicap will mean a greater possibility to obtain positive results whenplacing a bet.

[0096] The description of the figures is presented ahead. Groups of keysare described, with the purpose of achieving a better description ofeach one of them:

[0097] The method and apparatus for the execution of bets according tothe present invention comprises:

[0098] a) Bet selecting means

[0099] b) Competitors selecting means

[0100] c) Bet execution means

[0101] d) Place combining means

[0102] e) Secondary option means

[0103] a) Bet Selecting Means

[0104] The bet selecting means comprises keys for selecting the type ofwager to be placed.

[0105] The following table describes the different keys for selection ofwagers: GROUP I KEYS FOR TYPES OF BETS NAME FUNCTION 1 WIN To firstplace. 2 PLACE To second place. 3 SHOW To third place. 4 WP To firstand/or second place at the same time. 5 WPS To first and/or secondand/or third at the same time. 6 DBL To winners of two consecutiveraces. 7 QNL To first and second place, in either order of finish. 8PCK3 To winners of three consecutive races. 9 PCK6 To winners of sixconsecutive races. 10 PCK ALL To winners of n consecutive races (n isvariable). 11 EXA To first and second place, selecting two groups. 12EBX To first and second place, selecting one only group. 13 TRI Tofirst, second and third place, selecting three groups which will finishin said order. 14 TRB To first, second and third place, selecting oneonly group 15 SPX To first, second, third and fourth place, selectingfour groups which will finish in said order. 16 SPX To first, second,third and fourth place, selecting one only group.

[0106] The numbers of the first column are shown in FIG. 1, where it isdescribed a apparatus according to the present invention.

[0107] The table above comprises the existing types of pari-mutuel bets.However, in accordance with the present invention, the bets are placedin a more efficient manner and in less time of execution.

[0108] Example: the bettor decides to place a trifecta bet; he then mustactivate the Trifecta bet

[0109] [TRI]

[0110] b) Competitors Selecting Means

[0111] The meaning of the competitors selecting means is to make theselection of competitors (horses, greyhounds, etc.).

[0112] To such effect, the competitor is selected from any of theselection keys shown in FIG. 2.

[0113] The series of keys that can be used to select the competitors ofeach group conforming the wager are described in the following table.GROUP II KEYS FOR SELECTION OF COMPETITORS NAME FUNCTION 17  “1” Selectsthe competitor marked with number 1 18  “2” Selects the competitormarked with number 2 19  “3” Selects the competitor marked with number 320  “4” Selects the competitor marked with number 4 21  “5” Selects thecompetitor marked with number 5 22  “6” Selects the competitor markedwith number 6 23  “7” Selects the competitor marked with number 7 24 “8” Selects the competitor marked with number 8 25  “9” Selects thecompetitor marked with number 9 26 “10” Selects the competitor markedwith number 10 27 “11” Selects the competitor marked with number 11 28“12” Selects the competitor marked with number 12 29 “13” Selects thecompetitor marked with number 13 30 “14” Selects the competitor markedwith number 14

[0114] The numbers of competitors (first column) are shown in FIG. 2.

[0115] For example:

[0116]1,4,6,7

[0117] It means, the bettor wagers on any of competitors 1, 4, 6 or 7will finish in first place.

[0118] As it can be noted, the selection of competitors 10, 11, 12, 13and 14 is done by pressing one only key. This fact leads to savings intime for the tellers, which, in turn, leads to the advantages mentionedbefore. As could be noted for a skilled in the art, if the number ofcompetitors is increased (more than 15), the corresponding keys could beadded.

[0119] c) Bet Execution Means

[0120] The object of the beat execution means id to make the second andsubsequent selections of competitors to second and third, or third andfourth place repeating the fist selection and modifying it without needto introduce again every competitor key for each competitor.

[0121] The selection of competitors to second and third, or third andfourth place is done through the execution functions shown in thefollowing table: GROUP III EXECUTION KEYS NAME FUNCTION 31 WITHIndicates the change of group to continue with the bet. 32 SAME +/−Repeats the competitors selected in the previous group, being able todelete or include other competitors. 33 DELETE Allows deletingcompetitors previously entered, COMPETITORS from the group beingregistered at that moment. 34 ALL − Selects all participatingcompetitors, allowing deleting the unwanted.

[0122] The keys of the first column are shown in FIG. 3.

[0123] To make the second and subsequent selections, the With functionis used and the selection of competitors to second place is indicated.

[0124]1, 4, 6, 7[With]

[0125] '1, 4, 6, 7/

[0126] In accordance with the invention's method, the function Same+/−enters the first selection previously entered.

[0127]1, 4, 6, 7/[Same+/−]

[0128] '1, 4, 6, 7/1, 4, 6, 7

[0129] The above means that the bettor bets that any of the competitors1, 4, 6 or 7 will finish in first place AND that any of the competitors1, 4, 6 or 7 will finish in second place.

[0130] Normally, a bettor considers that the competitors, which willarrive in the first position, can be the same that will arrive in thesecond place; that is why the utilization of the function “Same” isparticularly useful.

[0131] Next, the selection to third place is made, repeating thesequence of steps mentioned for the selection to second place.

[0132]1, 4, 6, 7/1, 4, 6, 7[With][Same+/−]

[0133] '1, 4, 6, 7/1, 4, 6, 7/1, 4, 6, 7

[0134] Function [Same+/−] allows additionally to add or deletecompetitors to such selection, for example:

[0135]1, 4, 6, 7 / 1, 4, 6, 7/[Same+/−]6,2'1, 4, 6, 7, /1, 4, 6, 7/1, 2,4, 7

[0136] In the last selection (1, 4, 6, 7), competitor 6 was deleted andcompetitor 2 was added.

[0137] This expression means that the bettor wagers on any of thecompetitors 1, 4, 6 or 7 finishing in first place AND that any of thecompetitors 1, 4, 6 or 7 will finish in second place AND that any of thecompetitors 1, 2, 4 or 7 will finish in third place.

[0138] To enter the aforementioned wager, the operator or the bettormust have pressed 10 keys, while according to the apparatus of the priorart, the entering of such bet requires pressing 14 keys. The usage ofthe method and apparatus of the present invention is translated intotime savings to place a bet of approximately 70% with respect to theprocedure and apparatus of the prior art.

[0139] For the selection of competitors to fourth place, the selectionsequence must be repeated.

[0140] The object of the function ALL—is to select the group ofparticipants, except the ones indicated by the bettor. Exampleconsidering one race of 8 competitors

[0141]1, 2/2, 6[ALL—5, 11]'1, 2/2, 6/2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8

[0142] The use of such function allows the bettor to select allcompetitors and delete only the ones that he/she considers convenient.It is worth mentioning that one piece of information to be introduced bythe bettor is the number of competitors in such race.

[0143] In accordance with the present invention, the method includes,additionally, the possibility of correcting mistakes. For example, inthe last bet, if the bettor decides that the competitor number 3 shallsubstitute competitor 2, he/she must use the function delete [DEL] andadd the correct number. For example:

[0144]1, 4, 6, 7/1, 4, 6, 7/1, 2, 4, 7[DEL]2 3'1, 4, 6, 7/1, 4, 6, 7/1,3, 4, 7

[0145] In the apparatus of the prior art it is not possible to deletemistakes; in case of a mistake the sequence has to be repeated enteringthe correct number.

[0146] In a variety of the invention, the method of the presentinvention is done through machines operated by tellers. The machines ofthe present invention may advantageously substitute the machinesoperated by tellers of the prior art.

[0147] The incorporation of the functions mentioned before allows toplace a wager in a quicker way. As a particularly outstanding effect ofthe invention, the entering time is reduced in 70% with respect to theregistration time in the machines of the previous technique in a bet“without making mistakes”.

[0148] The apparatus of the present invention incorporates the methodthat includes the steps or functions previously described.

[0149] d) Place Combining Means

[0150] The Place combining means comprises the keys shown in FIG. 4.This group refers to the series of keys used to perform the differentcombinations of the groups previously selected (original bet). Themovement keys are particularly useful for the exacta, trifecta andsuperfecta bets. Each one of the keys in this group are defined in thefollowing table: GROUP IV MOVEMENT KEYS NAME FUNCTION 35 1 ST. Selectsall competitors located in the first group, to move them subsequentlywith keys “1”, “2” or “3”. 36 ¾ TH. Selects all competitors located inthe third or fourth group position or place, according to the type ofbet, to move them subsequently with keys “1”, “2” or “3”. 37 O.B. Whenbeing pressed, shows the original bet, it means, the initial combinationentered. 38 “1” Moves the group of competitors previously selected in aposition or place. 39 “2” Moves the group of competitors previouslyselected in two positions or places. 40 “3” Moves the group ofcompetitors previously selected in three positions or places insuperfecta bet. 41 TRI ν SUP Permits to turn the registration of bets ofthe trifecta type into superfecta and vice versa. In the trifecta modeit will include the same competitors of the third group into a fourthgroup in an automatic manner; on the contrary, in the superfecta mode itwill perform automatically the union of the fourth group's competitorswith the third position group's competitors. 42 MIX 1 It makes allpossible combinations among the groups while maintaining fixed, it meansas pivot position, the first position group's competitors. 43 MIX 2 Itmakes all possible combinations among the groups while maintainingfixed, it means as pivot position, the second position group'scompetitors. 44 MIX 3 It makes all possible combinations among thegroups, while maintaining fixed, it means as pivot position, the thirdposition group's competitors. 45 MIX 4 It makes all possiblecombinations among the groups, while maintaining fixed, it means aspivot position, the fourth position group's competitors. 46 MIX ALL Itmakes all possible combinations among the groups, without maintainingfixed any group.

[0151] Once a bettor has made a selection of wager, he/she needs toperform some movements to be sure that he/she will obtain the bestbenefit. In agreement with the present invention, it is provided themeans for the possible variants to be automatically generated, whichwill result in a benefit for the bettor.

[0152] When the bettor is confident that the wager he/she will make isthe one that gives him/her better possibilities of winning, he/she willplace bets independently of the amount of money.

[0153] In agreement with the present invention, function [1 ^(st)]selects the competitors located in the first group to subsequently movethem with the keys 1, 2 or 3.

[0154] This means that the bettor makes a second wager, in which thegroups have changed place.

[0155] Example. A bettor decides to place the following wager:

[0156] (1) TRIFECTA 1, 2/1, 2, 3/2, 3 (original bet) cost $3.00

[0157] The aforementioned bet comprises the following bets: No. Bet Cost1 1/2/3 $ 1.00 2 2/1/3 $ 1.00 3 1/3/2 $ 1.00 Total $ 3.00

[0158] This means, the bettor considers that any of competitors 1 or 2will finish first place, any of competitors, 1, 2 or 3 will finish inthe second position and that any of competitors 2 or 3 will finish inthe third place.

[0159] Function [1 ^(st)] selects the competitors of the first group tomove them towards the second, third or fourth (only in the case ofsuperfecta bets) group.

[0160] Example:

[0161] (2) 1, 2/1, 2, 3/2, 3[1 ^(st)]2'

[0162]1, 2, 3/1, 2/2, 3 (cost $3.00)

[0163] The bettor can decide that competitors of group 2 can be third;function [3/4 ^(th)] allows to make the bet by pressing only two keys.

[0164] Example:

[0165] (3) 1, 2/1, 2, 3/2, 3[3/4 ^(th)]2'

[0166]1, 2, 3/2 3/1, 2, 3 (cost $3.00)

[0167] Since the bettor considers less probable that competitor 3finishes in first place, he can complete the wager with a simpletrifecta bet:

[0168] (4) 3, 2, 1 Cost ($1.00)

[0169] The bettor will have made the following wagers: No. Bet Cost 11,2/1,2,3/2,3 $ 3.00 2 1,2,3/1,2/2,3 $ 3.00 3 1,2,3/2,3/1,2,3 $ 3.00 43/2/1 $ 1.00 Total $ 10.00 

[0170] In accordance with the prior art, a trifecta box bet offers thepossibility of combining the competitors in all positions as follows:No. Bet Cost 1 1/2/3 $ 1.00 2 1/3/2 $ 1.00 3 2/1/3 $ 1.00 4 2/3/1 $ 1.005 3/1/2 $ 1.00 6 3/2/1 $ 1.00 Total $ 6.00

[0171] The bettor will have invested more money, $10.00 instead of $6.00but his/her possibilities of winning are higher, as shown below: (bets,winning tickets) Order of Trifecta finish Trifecta Box Invention 1/2/3 13 1/3/2 1 2 2/1/3 1 2 2/3/1 1 1 3/1/2 1 1 3/2/1 1 1

[0172] With the method and apparatus of the invention, the bettor hasbetter chances of winning. In case the bettor's selection is correct,the possibility that the bettor considered most appropriate will givehim/her the best dividends. However, he/she will also win if the outcomeis the one the bettor considered as the less probable.

[0173] Due to benefits provided to the bettor by the method andapparatus of the invention, the bettor will be able to place the betsthat best conform to his/her predictions and, therefore, such bets willbe better suited to his/her expectations and will give him/her thegreater satisfaction. As a consequence of the above, the amounts of thewagers will be increased.

[0174] In the superfecta wagers, the bettor bets on the finishing orderof four participants. It is worth mentioning that in the superfectabets, the degree of difficulty is greater since the possibilities ofwinning are lower; however, such bet offers bigger payoffs.

[0175] The method and apparatus of the invention provides the followingtools to the bettor.

[0176] Function [MIX 1] generates automatically for the bettor a mix ofthe groups of the bet, leaving the first group (group to first place)constant. Example:

[0177] A bettor considers the following wager:

[0178]2, 3, 4/2, 3, 4, 6/4, 5, 6, 7/All—2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14 (128bets)

[0179]2, 3, 4/2, 3, 4, 6/4, 5, 6, 7/1, 4, 5, 7, 9. 11, 12 [MIX1]

[0180] Will obtain the combinations maintaining the first group, itmeans

[0181] 1. A/B/C/D (original)

[0182] 2. A/B/D/C

[0183] 3. A/C/B/D

[0184] 4. A/C/D/B

[0185] 5. A/D/B/C

[0186] 6. A/D/C/B

[0187] For simplification reasons, groups are represented with letters.

[0188] Automatically, the apparatus of the invention will generate thefollowing bets: No. Bet Cost Original2,3,4/2,3,4,6/4,5,6,7/1,4,5,7,9,11,12 $160.00 22,3,4/2,3,4,6/1,4,5,7,9,11,12/4,5,6,7 $160.00 32,3,4/4,5,6,7/2,3,4,6/1,4,5,7,9,11,12 $160.00 42,3,4/4,5,6,7/1,4,5,7,9,11,12/2,3,4,6 $160.00 52,3,4/1,4,5,7,9,11,12/2,3,4,6/4,5,6,7 $160.00 62,3,4/11,4,5,7,9,11,12/4,5,6,7/2,3,4,6 $160.00 Total $ 960.00

[0189] The cost of the bet is not comparable with the cost to be paid toplace a superfecta box bet. Since the bet involves 10 competitors, asuperfecta box with ten competitors has:

10×9×8×7=5,040 bets

[0190] assuming a cost of $1.00 per bet, the difference regarding 960 isvery big.

[0191] Notwithstanding the number of wagers in a superfecta box bet, thebettor can only cash in one of such bets. In agreement with the presentinvention, the bettor has possibilities of cashing in more than one betif the combination he/she chose is winner.

[0192] Functions MIX 2, MIX 3 and MIX 4 perform a similar process tofunction MIX 1. Function MIX 2 makes the combinations maintaining thegroup to second place without change. Function MIX 3 makes thecombinations maintaining the group to third place without movement.Function MIX 4 makes the combinations maintaining the group to fourthplace without change.

[0193] However, it is even provided the function [MIX ALL] forcombinations of all the groups. Even in this case, the amount of the betis not comparable to the amount of a superfecta box bet. It is worthmentioning that if the combinations of groups repeat, these will not beconsidered more than once.

[0194] Example:

[0195]1, 2/1, 2, 3/2, 3/3, 4, 5 [MIX ALL]

[0196] the following bet are generated: No. Bet Cost 11,2/1,2,3/2,3/3,4,5 $ 6.00 2 1,2/1,2,3/3,4,5/2,3 $ 6.00 31,2/2,3/1,2,3/3,4,5 $ 6.00 4 1,2/2,3/3,4,5/1,2,3 $ 6.00 51,2/3,4,5/1,2,3/2,3 $ 6.00 6 1,2/3,4,5/2,3/1,2,3 $ 6.00 71,2,3/1,2/2,3/3,4,5 $ 6.00 8 1,2,3/1,2/3,4,5/2,3 $ 6.00 91,2,3/2,3/1,2/3,4,5 $ 6.00 10 1,2,3/2,3/3,4,5/1,2 $ 6.00 111,2,3/3,4,5/2,3/1,2 $ 6.00 12 1,2,3/3,4,5/1,2,/2,3 $ 6.00 132,3/1,2/1,2,3/3,4,5 $ 6.00 14 2,3/1,2/3,4,5/1,2,3 $ 6.00 152,3/3,4,5/1,2,3/1,2 $ 6.00 16 2,3/3,4,5/1,2/1,2,3 $ 6.00 172,3/1,2,3/1,2,/3,4,5 $ 6.00 18 2,3/1,2,3/3,4,5/1,2 $ 6.00 193,4,5/1,2,3/1,2/2,3 $ 6.00 20 3,4,5/2,3/1,2,3/1,2 $ 6.00 213,4,5/2,3/1,2,3/1,2 $ 6.00 22 3,4,5/2,3/1,2/1,2,3 $ 6.00 233,4,5/1,2/2,3/1,2,3 $ 6.00 24 3,4,5/1,2/1,2,3/2,3 $ 6.00 $ 144.00 

[0197] On the other hand, the superfecta box bet with five competitorshas a cost of

[0198] 5!=$120.00 USD

[0199] If the bettor wagers on a combination box, he/she will only haveone possibility to win; with the method of the invention, it is possiblethat he/she wins three bets if the bet wins.

[0200] The entering of a wager like the one that has been shown with thecurrent betting methods would result in a long time and manypossibilities of mistake. It has been already said that the timerequired to place a bet should be minimal, since 80% of the betsentering is done within the last three minutes before the race.

[0201] Due to the similarity of the wagers resulting from the use of theMIX functions, the apparatus according to the present invention providesthe function ORIGINAL BET [OB]. Its purpose is to recall the bet thathad been originally entered.

[0202] This function is especially useful for a bettor who gets usuallyconfused with the different possibilities to make a wager.

[0203] In addition, the apparatus of the present invention provides thepossibility of transforming the superfecta bet into trifecta and thetrifecta into superfecta through the function [TRIνSUP]

[0204] A TRIFECTA bet is transformed into a SUPERFECTA by repeating tofourth place the elements given for third place. Example:

[0205]1, 2/1, 2, 3/2, 3, 8[TRIνSUP]'1, 2/1, 2, 3/2, 3, 8/2, 3, 8

[0206] A superfecta bet is transformed into a trifecta by incorporatingthe competitors to fourth place into the third place. Example:

[0207]3, 9, 14/1, 3, 9, 14/1, 7, 9, 14/1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 14 [TRIνSUP]

[0208] '3, 9, 14/1, 3, 9, 14/1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 14

[0209] Group V. Memory Keys

[0210] This group refers to the series of keys which are useful toselect specific functions provided by the method and apparatus of thepresent invention to handle data stored in the memory, which conform theregistration of bets. Each one of the keys in this group is defined inthe following table: GROUP V MEMORY KEYS NAME FUNCTION 47 PRINT Sendsall the information of the bets registered in the memory to thecommunications port. 48 M + Saves the cost of the bet placed to have atotal global balance of the bets. 49 LOAD Stores in the memory thecurrent bet that the bettor wants to register. 50 ERASE Erases from thememory a previously stored and selected bet. 51 (NEXT)

Shows on the screen the immediate next bet that is stored in the memory.52 (PREV)

Shows on the screen the immediate previous that is stored in the memory.

[0211] The keys of the first column are shown in FIG. 5, where the groupof keys detailed in the former table is described.

[0212] e) Secondary Option Means

[0213] The method and apparatus according to the invention optionallycomprise secondary option means for performing secondary option, forexample storing bets in the memory, and making changes in the lastmoment (priori to registering the bet). This group of functions refersto the series of keys that do not belong to a specific group, but whichhave specific functions. Each one of the keys in this group is definedin the following table: GROUP VI SECONDARY FUNCTIONS KEYS NAME FUNCTION53 SCRATCH Deletes a competitor from the bet, who unexpectedly, forseveral reasons, will not be participating. 54 CLEAR Clears all theinformation in the memory and on the screen, except the amount and typeof bet, as well as the number of competitors. 55 NEXT BET Clears all theinformation in the memory and on the screen.

[0214] The numbers of the first column are in relation with FIG. 6,where the group of keys detailed in the former table is described.

[0215] Function [SCRATCH] is especially useful. It is very common thatone competitor does not participate in the programmed race. It isinformed in the last moment that a competitor

[0216] will not participate in the competition, so that the bettors maybe able to modify their bets. However, bettors frequently are not awareon time and they must cancel or modify their bet right when they areentering it. It has already been mentioned that the placement ofpremature bets affects the bettor's mood, who usually reduces the amountof the bet he/she had planned.

[0217] In agreement with the present invention, function [SCRATCH]deletes automatically from the bet the competitor that cancelled hisparticipation in the last moment.

[0218] FIG. B describes the portable apparatus of the invention. Thedesign begins with an energy source of between 5 and 12 volts. Thisenergy allows the supply to each and every one of the electroniccomponents that, necessarily, require polarization, as well as providesuseful flow of energy for the codification of the keyboard.

[0219] Immediately after the power supply there is a switch connected,which has the particular function of controlling the turning on and offof the apparatus. (FIGS. 7 - 56).

[0220] 55 keys, distributed as shown in FIG. 7, form the keyboard. Anopen switch and two terminals, to allow for the continuity betweenterminals when they are pressed, compose the keys. Each one of the keysis connected in one of its terminals to the feeding line coming from theon and off switch. On the other side, the second terminal has, in turn,a pair of diodes connected in direct, which allow for the current toflow, without the voltage dropping below 4 volts.

[0221] Everyone of the two diodes of each key is respectively connectedto a common point, so that it codifies according to the line where thephysical space of each key is located. It is so that, according to thedistribution seen in FIG. 7, there are ten lines. In the same manner,the other respective diode of each key serves to codify the column;according to FIG. 7, there are six columns. One of the principalfunctions of the diodes is to have independent the common points of thecolumns with respect to the lines or vice versa, because the diodesavoid the flow of current when they are inverted.

[0222] According to this form of connection, the keyboard codifies in amatrix type; it means, the key being pressed generates a flow of currentin the column as well as in the corresponding line.

[0223] The ten common points corresponding to lines, excepting one, areconnected to the entries of the logical circuit of the type 74-147,whose function is to codify the line number to a binary form in fourbits, the line that is not connected to the logical circuit codifiesonly the column, having the value of 1111 in bits for the line due tocharacteristics of the logical circuit; in similar way, the six commonpoints corresponding to columns are connected to another identicallogical circuit to codify the number of columns in four bits. It is tobe mentioned that, according to the characteristics of the keyboard, itis possible to add or eliminate keys, having a maximum of 256. The unionof the 4 bits of column and the four bits of line are connected in anentry port of the processor of the family 8051.

[0224] It is possible to design the keyboard in a matrix manner, withoutrequiring the diodes and the 74-147 logical circuits, using a designlike the computer keyboard and a logical circuit more advanced, which isknown as keyboards codifying, to obtain in such way the same result.

[0225] The controller has an inner memory, 4 ports and the necessary andcommon connections for its proper operation. The common connections are:

[0226] The oscillatory circuit, which is composed of a crystal and twocapacitors, whose values are directly related.

[0227] The re-initialization circuit, which is composed of a capacitor,one resistor and a pushbutton, whose values are directly related.

[0228] Once one of the ports has been used as inlet, two of the restwill be used as outlet ports to the crystal liquid display or LCD (FIGS.7-58), whose way of connecting will depend on the type of screen used.

[0229] Finally, the last port is set in a manner that works asbi-directional serial port (FIGS. 7-57) for data exchange, reason why itis used a common use logical circuit for such setting, of the type knownas Max232, for its proper operation, in turn, there are 3 capacitorsconnected, whose values are directly related. Within the peripheralsthat is possible to connect to this port, there is a printer, an adapterfor infrared rays, for parallel port, for USB or any other type of knownport in the computer media.

[0230] This is especially useful for the bettor to place his/her betofficially without requiring a teller.

[0231] It is to be mentioned that the micro-controller has an engravedprogram to decipher the information codified by the keyboard and to sendthe results through the LCD or serial port.

[0232] With the purpose of giving a clearer description of theinvention, a computer program listing appendix is submitted (which hasbeen incorporated by reference) containing computer program listingsthat performs the before mentioned steps. However, the present inventionis only limited to the scope of the attached claims.

1. A method to execute bets, comprising: To make a selection of type ofbet; To make a fist selection of competitors to first place; To make asecond selection of competitors to second and third, or second, thirdand fourth place, and Modify the original bet or make derivative betsfrom the original bet Characterizing in that said method is executed byan electronic apparatus comprising: a) Bet selecting means; b)Competitors selecting means; c) Bet execution means; d) Place combiningmeans; and optionally e) Secondary option means, wherein said meansallow to make, correct, modify and make derivatives of bets quickly. 2.A method to execute bets according to claim 1, wherein the second andsubsequent selections of competitors to second and third, or second,third and fourth place is done through a repetition of the fistselection of competitors and modification thereof.
 3. A method toexecute bets according to claim 1, wherein the second and subsequentselections of competitors to second and third, or second, third andfourth place is done by means of selecting all competitors, except theones that the bettor decides to unselect.
 4. A method to execute betsaccording to claim 1, wherein the competitors wrongly selected can bedeleted without being necessary to redo the bet.
 5. A method to executebets according to claim 1, wherein said Position combining meanscomprises means for moving the selection of competitors to first placetowards the selection to second, third or fourth place.
 6. A method toexecute bets according to claim 1, wherein said Position combining meanscomprises means for moving the selection of competitors to second placeis moved towards the first, third or fourth selection.
 7. A method toenter bets according to claim 1, wherein said Position combining meanscomprises means for moving the selection of competitors to third placetowards the first, second or fourth selection.
 8. A method to executebets according to claim 1, wherein said Position combining meanscomprises means to generate a plurality of bets by maintaining fixed theselection of the competitors to first place and changing the selectionto second and third, or second, third and fourth place in the possiblecombinations of such selections.
 9. A method to execute bets accordingto claim 1, wherein said Position combining means comprises means togenerate a plurality of bets by maintaining fixed the selection of thecompetitors to second place and changing the selection to first andthird, or first, third and fourth in the possible combinations of suchselections.
 10. A method to execute bets according to claim 1, whereinsaid Position combining means comprises means to generate a plurality ofbets by maintaining fixed the selection of the competitors to thirdplace and changing the selection to first and second, or first, secondand fourth place in the possible combinations of such selections.
 11. Amethod to execute bets according to claim 1, wherein said Positioncombining means comprises means to generate a plurality of bets bymaintaining fixed the selection of the competitors to fourth place andchanging the selection to first, second and third place in the possiblecombinations of such selections.
 12. A method to execute bets accordingto claim 1, wherein said Position combining means comprises means togenerate a plurality of bets from the possible combinations of theselections to first, second, third and/or third and fourth place in allpossible combinations.
 13. A method to execute bets according to claim1, wherein said Secondary option means comprises means for modify betsthrough the elimination of competitors who have left the competence inthe last moment.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the betconsists in an exacta, trifecta or superfecta bet.
 15. A method toexecute bets according to claim 1, wherein said Position combining meanscomprises means to transform trifecta bets into superfecta bets by meansof repeating the selection to third place as the selection to fourthplace.
 16. A method to execute bets according to claim 1, wherein saidPosition combining means comprises means to transform superfecta betsinto trifecta bets by means of combining the competitors of theselections to third and fourth place in the selection to third place.17. An apparatus to make, correct, modify and make derivatives of betsquickly, comprising a) Bet selecting means, to make a selection of typeof bet; b) fist competitor selection competitors mean, to make a fistselection of competitors to first place; c) Second and furthercompetitor selection means, to make a second and further selections ofcompetitors to second and third, or second, third and fourth place; d)Bet execution means, to structure the bet e) Place combining means, tomodify or make derivatives from the original bet f) Secondary optionmeans; and g) Means to visualize the selected bet.
 18. The apparatusaccording to claim No. 17, wherein said Second and further competitorselection means, comprises means for repeating the selection ofcompetitors to first place and modifying such selection to second andthird, or second, third and fourth place
 19. The apparatus according toclaim No. 17, wherein said Second and further competitor selectionmeans, comprises means for selecting all competitors, except the onesthat the bettor decides to unselect.
 20. An apparatus according to claimNo. 17, wherein said place combining means comprises means to alternatethe selections for second and third place to first place and vice versa.21. An apparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein said place combiningmeans comprises means to switch the selections for first and thirdplaces to second place and vice versa.
 22. An apparatus according toclaim No. 17, wherein said place combining means comprises means toswitch the selections for fist and second place to third place and viceversa.
 23. An apparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein said placecombining means comprises means to generate bets derived frommaintaining the selection to first place and making the possiblecombinations between the groups to second and third or second, third andfourth place.
 24. An apparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein saidplace combining means comprises means to generate bets derived frommaintaining the selection to second place and making the possiblecombinations between the groups to first and third, or first, third andfourth places.
 25. An apparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein saidplace combining means comprises means to generate bets derived frommaintaining the selection to third place and making the possiblecombinations between the groups to first and second, or first, secondand fourth place.
 26. An apparatus according to claim No. 17, whereinsaid place combining means comprises means to generate bets derived frommaintaining the selection to fourth place and making the possibleselections between the groups to first, second and third place.
 27. Anapparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein said place combining meanscomprises means to generate all the bets derived from making thepossible combinations of the selections to first, second and third, orfirst, second, third and forth place.
 28. An apparatus according toclaim No. 17, wherein said place combining means comprises means torecall the original bet made by the bettor.
 29. An apparatus accordingto claim No. 17, wherein said place combining means comprises means totransform the trifecta bets into superfecta bets by means of repeatingthe selection to third place as the selection to fourth place.
 30. Anapparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein said place combining meanscomprises means to transform the superfecta bets in trifecta bets bymeans of combining the competitors of the selections to third and fourthplace in the selection to third place.
 31. An apparatus according toclaim No. 17, wherein said place combining means comprises means tomodify the bets made by eliminating the competitors who have beenexcluded in the last moment.
 32. An apparatus according to claim No. 17,wherein additionally comprises means to print the executed bets.
 33. Anapparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein the apparatus is a portableapparatus.
 34. An apparatus according to claim No. 17, wherein theapparatus comprises additionally the means to establish communicationwith a central device for the registration of bets, where the centraldevice validates the wagers and makes the charges for the bets made to apre-paid voucher.